After Christopher Columbus and other European adventurers landed in the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries, the lands they explored were often called the "New World." However, North, South, and Central America were new only to the people of Europe. Native Americans had lived on the land for millions of years.In some cases, the natives and Europeans were able to live in peace and even learned from each other. Most of the time, however, the European invaders brought with them disease and violence, which spelled the end of the Native Americans' way of life.

Native American Family Life

by Colleen Williams

Published 16 December 2003
To an outsider, Native American family life may seem simple. In reality, the societies within Native American tribes are incredibly rich and complex. Nor is family life the same from tribe to tribe. Some tribes are organized into clans; others trace their lineage according to matrilineal lines. This book discusses some of the familial arrangements of various tribes, including the reasons for such arrangements as well as the roles individuals played in their respective societies.

Homes of Native Americans

by Colleen Williams

Published 1 September 2013
Introduces readers to living spaces of Native Americans.

Explores different Native American dwellings, looking at how they reflected the environments in which their inhabitants lived and how and with what materials they were built.

Describes the traditional dress of various Indians in North, Central, and South America and relates how the clothes reflect the wearer's lifestyle, climate, and status.